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Which year to buy
Best bet2024Fewest serious problems: 0.4× usual
Newest we'd buy2025The latest year rated a good buy
AvoidNoneNo year stands out as bad
Be careful2017, 2019More problems; check the recalls were done
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2010GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.7× usual Extended coverage
161 serious complaints of 262, the most about air bags (42) and engine (34); per car on the road, 0.7× this model's usual year. 17 recalls.
What owners report
“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 subaru forester. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Apr 2017
“The contact owns a 2010 subaru forester. While driving at various speeds with the accelerator engaged, the engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of this failure.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, May 2015
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage This Warranty Extension will not cover any excessive engine oil consumption found to be a result of any condition(s) other than those specifically described in this bulletin 2013-14MY Legacy and Outback Models with 2.5L FB Engines, 2011-14MY Forester Models with 2.5L FB Engines, 2015 MY Forester… (02-157-14, Mar 2018)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
262 owner complaints · 17 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–22 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2010 trims and features
Every Forester year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2010
First year we have trim data for.
2010 Forester trims
| 2.5X | 2.5X Limited | 2.5X Premium | 2.5XT Limited | 2.5XT Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||||
| Starting MSRP | — | $25,995 | — | $28,495 | $26,495 |
| Powertrain | |||||
| Engine | 2.5-liter SOHC SUBARU BOXER with i-Active Valve Lift System | 2.5-liter SOHC SUBARU BOXER with i-Active Valve Lift System | 2.5-liter SOHC SUBARU BOXER with i-Active Valve Lift System | 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled turbocharged SUBARU BOXER with Active Valve Control System | 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled turbocharged SUBARU BOXER with Active Valve Control System |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 224 hp | 224 hp |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft | 226 lb-ft | 226 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic: 4-speed electronic direct-control automatic with SPORTSHIFT manual control 5-Speed Manual: Fully synchronized 5-speed manual with Incline Start Assist | 4-speed electronic direct-control automatic with SPORTSHIFT manual control | 4-Speed Automatic: 4-speed electronic direct-control automatic with SPORTSHIFT manual control 5-Speed Manual: Fully synchronized 5-speed manual with Incline Start Assist | 4-speed electronic direct-control automatic with SPORTSHIFT manual control | 4-speed electronic direct-control automatic with SPORTSHIFT manual control |
| Gears | 4-Speed Automatic: 4 5-Speed Manual: 5 | 4 | 4-Speed Automatic: 4 5-Speed Manual: 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Drivetrain | 4-Speed Automatic / 5-Speed Manual | Awd | 4-Speed Automatic / 5-Speed Manual | Awd | Awd |
| Size and capability | |||||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Max towing | 2,400 lb | 2,400 lb | 2,400 lb | 2,400 lb | 2,400 lb |
| Cargo behind last row | 33.5 cu ft | 30.8 cu ft | 30.8 cu ft | 30.8 cu ft | 30.8 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 68.3 cu ft | 63 cu ft | 63 cu ft | 63 cu ft | 63 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.9 in | 8.9 in |
| Length | 179.5 in | 179.5 in | 179.5 in | 179.5 in | 179.5 in |
| Curb weight | 4-Speed Automatic: 3,300 lb 5-Speed Manual: 3,250 lb | 3,360 lb | 4-Speed Automatic: 3,340 lb 5-Speed Manual: 3,300 lb | 3,460 lb | 3,440 lb |
| Tech | |||||
| Touchscreen | — | Optional | — | Optional | — |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Speakers | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Comfort | |||||
| Seats | Cloth + option | Leather + option | Cloth + option | Leather + option | Cloth + option |
| Heated seats | — | Front | Optional | Front | — |
| Exterior | |||||
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Moonroof | Panoramic Moonroof | Panoramic Moonroof | Panoramic Moonroof |
| Wheels | 16 in | 17 in | 17 in | 17 in | 17 in |
| Headlights | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen |
Packages and options (18)
| 2.5X | 2.5X Limited | 2.5X Premium | 2.5XT Limited | 2.5XT Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Weather Package | — | Standard | Optional | Standard | — |
| Navigation System | — | Optional | — | Optional | — |
| XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Camellia Red Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Dark Gray Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Newport Blue Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Obsidian Black Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Paprika Red Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sage Green Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Satin White Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Spark Silver Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Steel Silver Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Aurora Black Cloth | Optional | — | Optional | — | — |
| Aurora Platinum Cloth | Optional | — | Optional | — | — |
| Black Dune Cloth | — | — | — | — | Optional |
| Black Leather | — | Optional | — | Optional | — |
| Platinum Dune Cloth | — | — | — | — | Optional |
| Platinum Leather | — | Optional | — | Optional | — |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 162–180 hp 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, 162–180 hp | AWD | 26–35 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 22 | Unknown or other (5) | — |
| 2025 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 162–182 hp 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, 162–182 hp | AWD | 26–35 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 95 | Unknown or other (19) | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 29 | Unknown or other (9) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 73 | Unknown or other (20) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 98 | Visibility/wiper (20) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 207 | Visibility/wiper (76) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 600 | Visibility/wiper (252) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 833 | Visibility/wiper (370) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 250 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 170 hp manual available | AWD | 24–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 496 | Visibility/wiper (135) | No |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 250 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 170 hp manual available | AWD | 24–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 586 | Air bags (164) | No |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | AWD | 25–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 415 | Air bags (99) | No |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | AWD | 25–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 614 | Engine (131) | No |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | AWD | 24–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 403 | Suspension (94) | No |
| 2013 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 12 | 77 | Engine (26) | No |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 15 | 105 | Engine (27) | No |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 16 | 147 | Engine (60) | No |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD | 21–22 mpg | Not rated | 17 | 262 | Seats (76) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingAWD or 4WDPower liftgateHybrid, plug-in hybrid or electricAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroofPanoramic roof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Forester 2019–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | SUBARU FORESTER HYBRID SUV HEV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 | SUBARU FORESTER SUV N/A AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 22 |
| 2026 | SUBARU FORESTER WILDERNESS SUV N/A AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 11 |
| 2025 | SUBARU FORESTER SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 95 |
| 2025 | SUBARU FORESTER HYBRID SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 0 |
| 2025 | Subaru Forester Wilderness SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 11 |
| 2024 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 29 |
| 2024 | Subaru Forester Wilderness SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 2 | 29 |
| 2023 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 73 |
| 2023 | Subaru Forester Wilderness SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 98 |
| 2021 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 207 |
| 2020 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 600 |
| 2019 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 833 |
| 2018 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 496 |
| 2017 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 586 |
| 2016 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 415 |
| 2015 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 614 |
| 2014 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 403 |
| 2013 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 12 | 77 |
| 2012 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 15 | 105 |
| 2011 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD Later Release | 4 | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD Early Release | 4 | No | No | 16 | 147 |
| 2010 | Subaru Forester 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 17 | 262 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2026 | Forester Hybrid AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 35 |
| 2026 | Forester Sport/Touring AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 28 |
| 2026 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2025 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2025 | Forester Hybrid AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 35 |
| 2025 | Forester Sport/Touring AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 28 |
| 2025 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2024 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2024 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2023 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2023 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2022 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2022 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2021 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2020 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2019 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2018 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–28 |
| 2017 | Forester AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–28 |
| 2016 | Forester AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
25–27 |
| 2015 | Forester AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
25–27 |
| 2014 | Forester AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–27 |
| 2013 | Forester AWD | Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
21–23 |
| 2012 | Forester AWD | Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
21–23 |
| 2011 | Forester AWD | Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
21–23 |
| 2010 | Forester AWD | Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
21–22 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.